By Congressman Patrick Meehan

Throughout the recent debate in Congress over spending priorities, hundreds of amendments were offered to decrease funding or cut certain programs entirely. One of my top priorities in Congress is to promote job growth and a sound economy, which requires we put an end to reckless government spending. I knew I would have to make a number of challenging decisions resulting in difficult cuts. However, when one program was put on the chopping block, I could not support a cut. In fact, I stood up to defend it. Two amendments were offered which would have cut funding for the V-22 Osprey program.

The V-22 Osprey, part of which is made right here in Delaware County at the Boeing facility in Ridley Park, is a tilt rotor aircraft used in the field by both the Marine Corps and Air Force Special Ops. The V-22 combines the vertical takeoff and landing characteristics of a helicopter with the speed and range advantages of a turbo prop airplane. This unique aircraft enables raids at unprecedented speeds and with greater range, provides MEDEVAC capabilities to wounded soldiers, and offers cargo transportation capabilities over greater distances than any conventional helicopter – all of which would be impossible to accomplish with the current helicopter platforms.

The ability of the V-22 to quickly get troops in and out of mountainous, rough terrain like that of Afghanistan has earned it high marks for the advantages it brings to combat operations. The V-22 has also been used in humanitarian missions in Africa and Haiti, and other places where natural disasters made it difficult for a regular aircraft to have enough space for takeoff and landing. In short, the V-22 is proving itself by its performance.

After 14 successful deployments, the V-22 Osprey program has been validated by commanders in the field. Just days ago, Gen. Paul X. Kelly, former commandant of the Marine Corps, stated “the decision to proceed with this forward-looking program was, and remains, one of the best acquisition decisions we made.”

Opponents of the V-22 present historic criticisms over issues that have long since been resolved. The fact is the V-22 has developed significantly over the years, and is now one of the most operationally efficient aircraft with the lowest mishap rate of any Marine rotorcraft currently in the field.

When it came time to defend the V-22 Osprey program, I took to the House floor for one of my first speeches as a member of the House of Representatives. I knew I needed to educate my colleagues, some unfamiliar with the V-22, about the importance of the program.

During the funding debate, the House overwhelmingly voted down the two amendments that would have cut funding for the Osprey program. I was pleased so many of my fellow members of Congress joined me in bipartisan support of the V-22.

(Recently I joined) my colleagues Robert Brady (PA-01), John Carney (DE), and Jon Runyan (NJ-03) at the Boeing facility in Ridley Park. Each of us is deeply committed to our troops in conflict and the V-22 is earning the support it is receiving.

The incredible performance of the V-22, and its proven success record in military combat make it not just a worthwhile use of federal dollars – but a necessary one.

As funding priorities continue to be debated in Congress, I remain committed to supporting the V-22 Osprey program and our men and women in the U.S. military.
U.S. Rep. Patrick Meehan, of Upper Darby, is a Republican representing the 7th District.